Mark Carney, the former central banker who defied Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney broke off trade talks with the United States on Saturday, ordering negotiators back to Ottawa and declaring "We are masters in our own house," despite Canada's heavy economic reliance on US exports. A weekend poll showed 76 percent of Canadians support his stance toward Washington. Carney, 61, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, assumed power in March 2025 after replacing Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, then unexpectedly won a general election a month later. Trade tensions with the US propelled him to office as Canadians viewed him as a protector of their economy, with Washington having imposed 50-percent duties and Ottawa responding with counter-tariffs. A January World Economic Forum speech marked his international turning point, calling on middle powers to unite. Carney now seeks new trading partners, closer EU ties, and a Pacific pipeline to reduce US dependence, though experts warn his firm stance with Trump enters a "more difficult phase" managing economic fallout.